Head of Metadata and Cataloging

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If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu . Department Libraries Job Description Job Summary The Head of Metadata and Cataloging provides administrative and operational leadership for metadata and cataloging services across Smith College Libraries. Reporting to the Director of Collections, Discovery, and Systems, this position is responsible for the planning, supervision, assessment, and ongoing direction of metadata and cataloging operations for general collections, with particular responsibility for batch loading, metadata remediation, metadata quality control, and the management of bibliographic, holdings, and inventory data in FOLIO and related metadata workflows. The Head works closely with the Cataloging Librarian, Electronic Resources staff, Discovery and Systems colleagues, and the East Asian Cataloging Librarian to ensure that library resources are represented accurately and function reliably across systems used for management and discovery. The position collaborates with the Head of Collection Strategies and other managers on unit priorities, policies, and cross-functional initiatives. In a small-team environment, the Head balances substantive hands-on technical work with managerial responsibility, policy and workflow development, documentation, change management, and continuous improvement. Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment. Essential Functions Metadata and Cataloging Operations (35%) Lead batch loading, record import, bulk update, and metadata cleanup workflows for library resources. Analyze, correct, and maintain bibliographic, holdings, item, and related metadata to improve access, discoverability, and data consistency. Develop, implement, document, and refine workflows, policies, and procedures for metadata maintenance, record processing, and data quality review. Monitor recurring metadata and data quality issues and recommend practical improvements to workflows and practices. Maintain current knowledge of metadata standards, descriptive practices, and tools used in metadata creation and management. Ensure that metadata and cataloging practices support accurate representation, discoverability, and long-term stewardship of library resources. Metadata Workflows and Data Quality Support (25%) Oversee metadata-related record workflows, data quality practices, and bibliographic, holdings, and inventory maintenance in FOLIO and related metadata environments. Coordinate with Discovery and Systems colleagues, Electronic Resources staff, and other library partners on data imports, record maintenance, troubleshooting, and changes affecting metadata display, linking, and access. Collaborate on metadata publishing and data flows between systems of record and discovery environments, while relying on Discovery and Systems colleagues for technical infrastructure, platform administration, and discovery-layer configuration. Identify and resolve metadata and data integrity issues affecting the representation and discoverability of library resources, escalating technical systems issues as appropriate. Use tools and technologies for bulk editing, reporting, analysis, and metadata transformation. Assess the operational impact of system, vendor, and workflow changes affecting metadata, cataloging, and resource representation. Collaboration, Documentation, and Training (20%) Work collaboratively with cataloging and metadata colleagues, archivists, programmers, IT staff, faculty, and other library colleagues to implement metadata standards and data practices. Develop documentation, decision logs, and training materials to support sustainable workflows and responsible systems changes. Provide consultation and guidance to library staff on metadata tools, batch workflows, and data quality practices. Collaborate with departments and teams across Smith College Libraries on metadata creation and maintenance for digital collections, institutional repository materials, and other local projects. Represent the library in relevant campus, consortial, and professional committees or working groups related to metadata, cataloging, and library data management. Management, Planning, and Administrative Oversight (15%) Establish priorities, goals, assignments, policies, and procedures for metadata and cataloging services in collaboration with the Director of Collections, Discovery, and Systems. Provide administrative oversight for metadata and cataloging services, including workflow planning, problem solving, assessment, and decision-making related to operational needs. Manage one or more direct reports in regular and/or fixed-term roles within an organization comprising of union-affiliated staff. Accountable for hiring, development/coaching, and performance-related decisions, with support from Human Resources

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